By Kieran
Anderson
Kieran Anderson's journey to teaching shows how lived
experience becomes a powerful tool for motivating others.
Motivation to teach
Kieran Anderson's journey into teaching is unconventional yet
deeply inspiring. Growing up, he struggled with school attendance
and engagement, unable to recall a single positive teacher role
model. "I can't remember a favourite teacher. I never felt like I
had a role model in school, and I feel that was half the reason
that I never went. I was a persistent absentee."
This absence of mentorship became the driving force behind his
decision to enter education. Now an English teacher in a school
serving a community similar to where he grew up, Kieran has
become the role model he never had. "I can now be that person for
someone...if you can change just one person's life, then I've
already succeeded."
Beyond classroom teaching, Kieran runs after-school clubs for
students facing challenges or disciplinary issues. These sessions
explore protected characteristics from the Equality Act,
reinforced through discussions about British values and their
practical community application. He consolidates learning through
social action projects. "That's the moment where it clicks and
how much people actually want to change and learn."
Finding direction through mentorship
Kieran's turning point came through Liam Watson at Middlesbrough
Football Club Foundation, who recognised his potential and
introduced him to community work. "He kept me grounded and out of
trouble by giving me purpose. I still speak to him now."
Before teaching, Kieran worked in the police force but felt
constrained by bureaucracy. "There was so much paperwork. I felt
like I didn't really help in the way I could, and that's what got
me back into education."
He entered teaching through an apprenticeship route, which proved
essential to his success. Being based in one school allowed him
to build strong relationships while developing his teaching style
within a supportive environment. "I could express myself in my
teaching without feeling judged. That made all the difference."
Redefining role models
Kieran believes true role models are people with lived experience
who have made mistakes and chosen to grow from them. "A role
model to me is someone who hasn't necessarily always got
something right but has made the change and is showing others
that change can be made."
His students, many sharing similar backgrounds, see him as
someone who genuinely understands their experiences. This
connection breaks down barriers and builds trust. "They know I'm
here for them, not just for the money. They know I'm here to help
and make them better."
The power of supportive culture
Initially nervous about teaching English as a new subject, Kieran
found strength in his school's collaborative culture. Weekly
department meetings, mentoring, and genuine collegiality helped
him flourish. "If I've had a really good lesson, the first thing
I do is run out and tell someone. That culture has made a huge
difference."
This supportive environment enabled him to develop subject
knowledge, experiment with strategies, and reflect on practice
safely.
Transforming lives
Despite teaching's challenges, Kieran remains committed because
of the transformative impact he witnesses. "The students… the
fact that you can support them and then come August when they're
opening the envelopes….that's the day you look forward to."
He recalls one student who previously faced suspension within
minutes of arriving at school. Through consistent mentoring and
trust-building, this student now attends regularly, participates
in lessons, and reads aloud in class. "He knows someone's there
for him. I'm not going to let him down."
From accident to inspiration
On Thank A Teacher Day, Kieran
was described as "the accidental
teacher" who found his way into the profession by chance.
However, his impact is profound. Kieran demonstrates how personal
struggle can be transformed into purpose, and how lived
experience becomes a powerful tool for motivating others.
"I love it here [at the school]. I love the job. I wouldn't
change it for the world."
